Plants: Leafy Vegetables

Moringa stenopetala is often referred to as the African Moringa Tree because it is native only to Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Though it does grow in many other parts of the old- and new-world tropics, it is not as widely known as its close relative, Moringa oleifera. All parts of the tree except...

This nightshade species probably originated in the warm, humid forests of West and Central Africa where it remains today as one of the most important vegetables for home consumption and income production. It is grown as an annual or short-lived perennial.

The Broccoli head is made of a cluster of many, dark green buds formed at the end of an edible stalk. The domesticated varieties that are now favorites for humans originally derived from wild cabbage in Asia Minor.

Cabbage is a hardy, leafy vegetable that forms a compact, round head. It is native to southern Europe but can be grown in tropical or semi-tropical areas in cooler highlands where the winters are mild and there is a good supply of moisture.

The Cruciferae or cole family of vegetables is thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Cauliflower is generally suited to temperate climates, preferring cool, moist soil and air.

Native to Mexico, this is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant, perennial shrub, typically reaching 3 m (10 ft) in height. As one of its common names (spinach tree) implies, it is grown for its dark-green leaves, which it produces in abundance.

The Greeks and Romans used Chinese broccoli as a vegetable 2500 years ago. Its origin is believed to be the Atlantic coastline of Europe and the Mediterranean though it is now cultivated widely in Australia.

The Brassica family is thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. The wide, smooth, blue-green leaves of Brassica oleracea var.viridis have a spinach-like flavor and are the highest in nutrients of the dark green, leafy vegetables.

Cranberry Hibiscus, as well as its sister species, Roselle (H. sabdariffa), and Kenaf (H. cannabinus) are of African origin. It is believed to be a hybrid of African wild hibiscus species. Cranberry Hibiscus is now known only as a cultivated plant. This species tends to escape from gardens and it...

This kale variety originated in the East African plain, particularly Ethiopia, as early as 4000 B.C. where it is still grown primarily as an oil seed crop. It is valuable because it will set seed at warmer tropical temperatures than other Brassicas. In East and southern Africa, young leaves are...

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